Head of Finance

Post: Head of Finance

Salary & Band: £43,000 to £52,500

Department: Finance Team

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 39 hours per week

Line Manager: Chief Operating Officer
Reports From: Finance Team

Location: Coventry

Applications close: 3 March 2026,
Interviews: w/c 16 March

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

The Head of Finance will report to the COO, and work closely with the Senior Leadership team, supporting the Theatre's strategic objectives and decision-making. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership to a small and dedicated finance team and will be responsible for the financial management of the Theatre and its subsidiaries, in alignment with organisational strategic plans and budgets, and in compliance with Charity and Company accounting standards and practices.

This role is hands on and works closely with each department.

Key Objectives

• Working with the COO to provide Strategic Management:
  Budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Oversee day to day financial operations, leading and managing the Finance team
• Support the COO to ensure regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met, especially in relation to charity accounting regulations
• Managing statutory accounts, external audits, and specialist areas like VAT and Theatre Tax Relief.
• Implement efficient and effective Finance reporting to meet the evolving needs of the business, supporting deep dive analysis for the Executive team where required
• Working with the COO, and SLT on risk management

This job description outlines the principal responsibilities and duties of the post holder. It isn't meant to be, nor is it, an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities and duties. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties which could reasonably be expected as being within the remit of the post and which arise out of changes of legislation, regulations, orders, rules and working practices, methods and procedures and reviews, as directed from time to time

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Lead and deliver the financial strategy for Belgrade Theatre to ensure long term financial sustainability.
• Support the COO in shaping financial planning and risk management.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow plans aligned with strategic priorities.
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support organisational decision making and business planning.
• Deputise for the COO when required.

Financial Operations and Systems Optimisation

• Oversee and continuously improve financial processes and systems
• Work with external contractors and internal teams to support integration projects between EPOS, CRM, and accounting systems, reducing manual processing and improving data accuracy.
• Proactively identify opportunities for further automation, system improvements, and app integrations that enhance control, reduce costs, or increase capacity.
• Ensure efficient month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.
• Maintain oversight of ledgers, payroll, VAT and banking arrangements.
• Ensure compliance and accuracy in grant and restricted fund accounting.

Reporting and Analysis

• Produce monthly management accounts for the COO and work with the COO to produce quarterly reports for the Finance Committee and Trustee Board meetings.
• Report on performance against budget, forecast, and prior year, including cash flow and balance sheet commentary.
• Provide clear and concise analysis and recommendations to support decision making.
• Oversee preparation of detailed project and grant reports for funders and assist the development team with the financial aspects of fundraising bids.

Governance, Compliance, and Risk

• Manage the audit process, ensuring delivery of compliant and timely statutory accounts in line with Charity SORP and Companies Act requirements.
• Act as key point of contact for external auditors, HMRC, and other regulatory bodies.
• Work with senior colleagues to ensure appropriate financial controls, risk management, and business continuity plans are in place.
• Maintain awareness of developments in charity finance legislation and best practice.

Leadership and Team Development

• Line manage and develop…